John David Short Appointed to Fill Simmons Council Seat IMAGES

After about an hour of behind closed doors interviews, Huntington City Council voted for John David Short to replace Rick Simmons who resigned due to illness.

Short was one of 10 people who applied for the seat, which was vacated in October when Rick Simmons resigned because of health reasons. Short will serve the remainder of Simmons’ unexpired term, which ends Jan. 1, 2017.

Prior to the vote, councilman Mark Bates called the decision a "tough" one, explaining that this is the fourth time in seven years council has filled an unexpired term. "This is the best pool of candidates," he said.

Councilman David Ball added, "I would not have a problem with any of the eight."

Short, 65, graduated from Marshall University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He has more than 35 years experience in automotive finance and mortgage lending. He also is a member of the Create Huntington Board of Connectors and volunteers for several other community organizations.

District 9 includes the neighborhoods of Guyandotte, Altizer, Arlington Park and a small section of Highlawn.

Short took his seat and stated, "I look forward to learning and listening," calling his appointment both an "opportunity and a responsibility."